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NuForce has been pumping out high end audio gear for the digitally inclined for years, and its latest effort is the Icon DAC and amp for Android, Mac and PC. It shares the same aluminum construction as the Icon iDo amp aimed at iDevice owners that was released in 2011. However, the latest Icon adds a few new features. While it still has analog RCA and digital coax output, the new model offers RCA and 3.5mm analog input as well as a USB connection for pulling in audio. Additionally, it can drive 600-ohm headphones thanks to its 8V output amp, and its DAC supports sampling rates up to 96kHz, 32 bits of resolution and direct stream digital decoding. It's available now for $325 for folks with Windows 7 or 8 PCs, Macs and Android devices running 4.1.1 or higher.

NuForce has just launched the NuForce S3-BT, a line of high-quality bookshelf speakers that tout Bluetooth 4.0 as one of its main selling points. Most Bluetooth speakers tend to pale in comparison to their analog counterparts, but NuForce is confident its apt-x and AAC codecs will provide CD-quality audio even to the most discerning audiophile. If you're unconvinced, NuForce has also included a set of analog inputs plus the company's own Air DAC wireless system for slightly higher quality audio streaming. The powered speakers have a 3.5-inch bass driver and a 1-inch tweeter each, and the woofer touts a proprietary anti-resonance cone. If you care about looks, the speakers are wrapped in either soft white or black leatherette. They aren't cheap -- a pair will cost you $300 -- but for attractive high-fidelity speakers that won't contribute to your home's existing nest of wires, it may well be worth it.

For better or worse, your options are plentiful when it comes to palm-sized speakers aimed at improving the audio of your gizmos. While many simply tout Bluetooth or USB connectivity, NuForce is hoping to shake things up a bit with its new Cube. This micro-speaker isn't wireless, but it's got the unique ability to also function as a headphone amp and USB DAC -- all in a footprint of 38.5 x 58.5 x 60.0mm (2.30 x 2.30 x 2.36 inches). Aside from giving you multiple ways to add more kick to your tunes, the Cube packs a rechargeable battery that'll last for up to eight hours. Sadly, however, it doesn't appear like you'll be able to daisy chain units together for a tiny stereo rig. On brighter notes, you'll have a choice of silver, red, blue or black, and an iPod Nano adapter is available to make it pretty much the smallest dock we've seen. It'll cost you a spendy $119 to get the Cube within your ears' vicinity, and you'll find more details in the press release below

We may live in a digital world, but analog still rules the roost when it comes to audio, and a dedicated DAC can improve the quality of your tunes considerably. Back at CES, we teased you with NuForce's Air DAC that wirelessly streams music from mobile to your home stereo on the 2.4GHz band at a range of 30-65 feet (10-20 meters). Well, it's been priced and is now officially available. For those with Apple devices, the 30-pin iTX dongle will set you back $79, and those keeping their music elsewhere can grab the uTX USB transmitter for $59. On its own, the DAC receiver costs $149, though the whole iOS-compatible kit can be had for $199, while the USB version's yours for $179. PR's after the break.
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air dacairdacaudiodaciosnuforcenuforce air dacnuforceairdacusbwirelesswireless audiowireless audio streamingwirelessaudiowirelessaudiostreamingSat, 25 Feb 2012 14:55:00 -050021|20179084https://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/ces-2012-audio-roundup/https://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/ces-2012-audio-roundup/https://www.engadget.com/2012/01/16/ces-2012-audio-roundup/#comments

Audio-wares may not be on the forefront of many geek's minds during CES, but that doesn't mean you won't find a bevy of sound-pumping gizmos while traversing across the crowded show floor. From giant AirPlay and iPod dock systems to premium audiophile headphones (and a bevy of dinky iDevice-compatible buds), we've picked out a few of our favorites. Whether you're focused on getting great sound or something packed with technology, jump past the break to visualize it all for yourself.

Nestled deep within the iLounge hall of CES, surrounded by numerous vendors of cheap phone cases and yesterday's news, we stumbled upon a company that didn't quite belong. Known as NuForce, the firm is recognizable amongst audiophiles both for its high-end gear and consumer lineup that often shames overpriced competitors. As it happened, we stumbled upon a mysterious product known as the Air DAC, and happily, NuForce CEO, Jason Lim was on hand to give us a tour. Withholding technical specs (for now), the product is built for high quality wireless audio streaming and will ship as two distinct products -- one that operates over USB and another built for Apple's dock connector. We're also told that each transmitter can be paired with four Air DAC receivers and vice versa. Also, the product can be daisy-chained together to cover larger distances.

The DAC unit itself is rather spartan, which features only a power connector and two RCA analog outs. Yeah, digital ports would've been more alluring, but the Air DAC seems to be targeted at the average consumer and we're told it'll have a price to match. The sound quality was absolutely fantastic when played through the Icon system, which includes a separate amplifier and the Icon S-X speakers. Then again, we wouldn't have expected anything less, given the quality of the Icon setup to begin with. For an introductory look at the system in action, be sure to check the video after the break.%Gallery-144528%
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appleaudiocesces 2012ces2012dacexclusivehands-onhi-fihifiiosipadiphoneipodnuforcenuforce airdacnuforceairdacusbvideowirelesswireless audiowirelessaudioSun, 15 Jan 2012 10:59:00 -050021|20147885https://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/nuforces-icon-ido-amp-improves-ipod-sound-costs-more-than-a-cl/https://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/nuforces-icon-ido-amp-improves-ipod-sound-costs-more-than-a-cl/https://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/nuforces-icon-ido-amp-improves-ipod-sound-costs-more-than-a-cl/#comments

Ever feel the temptation to run your iDevice straight into a set of 250-ohm Beyerdynamic or Sennheiser cans? You could, but the resulting sound would hardly rock you. Thankfully, NuForce's colorful Icon iDo is ready to assist in your iAudiophile needs for only $250. This headphone amp -- supporting sampling rates up to 48kHz, 24-bits of resolution and a 10-20kHz frequency -- cables into your iPod's 30-pin connector to bypass the digital audio converter and uses its own to amp up the quality of your audio. The iDo promises to drive headphones all the way up to 300-ohms with 12mW of power via its 3.5 jack, and it's also sporting digital / analog RCAs if you want to share the love with some speakers. You'll be at the whim of wall outlets as plug-in power is required for operation, but at least its built IR receiver will let you remote control your playlists from afar. It's available today if you're finding your HiFi bugged piqued, and a backside shot with PR is just past the break.

Apple fans who are looking for the perfect intersection of stylish design, great sound and wireless connectivity have a new Bluetooth headset to consider -- the NuForce BT-860 (US$79). I recently had the pleasure to try out this value-priced Bluetooth headset and found a lot to like.

Design

While Bluetooth connectivity has been embraced by a number of manufacturers for phone headsets, there still aren't a lot of wireless headsets designed for the purpose of listening to music. There are four primary Bluetooth profiles supported by the BT-860 -- A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), HFP (Hands-Free Profile), HSP (Handset Profile), and AVCRP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) -- that make the device so versatile.

A2DP supports stereo streaming of music from your Mac or iOS device to the BT-860 headset. This makes it perfect for listening to tunes streaming from your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. AVCRP gives the headset the ability to control any of those devices by pressing buttons on the side. HFP and HSP allow the BT-860 to control a mobile phone, supporting dialing, hanging up, and other common telephony actions.

The BT-860 is quite attractive. Made from a soft-touch matte black plastic material, the headset has a very sleek look. The active controls are built into one of the earpieces, with flat + and - buttons for controlling volume and another pair for jumping between tracks in a playlist. In the center of those four buttons is an MFB (multi-function button) that is used for a number of functions: turning the headset on and off; answering, ending, transferring, muting or rejecting a call; and playing or pausing music playback.

The headset is quite light -- 2.9 ounces -- and the lack of a connecting cable makes the BT-860 a joy to wear. I have a big head (7-7/8 hat size!) and wear glasses, both of which often make headsets a literal pain to use. The replaceable pads on the earpieces are soft on the ears, and the lightweight construction of the BT-860 is very comfortable.

Functionality

As with most Bluetooth devices, the BT-860 headset is easy to pair with either a Mac or iOS device. Holding down the MFB for about ten seconds puts the headset into a discoverable mode, after which time it appears in the list of nearby Bluetooth devices and can be paired.

With a Mac, the headset can be set up as either monaural or stereo headphones and also as a sound input device. I tried using the headset with Skype with mixed success; it did work, but had a lot of static. It also destroyed the ability to listen to music from iTunes until I re-paired the headset to the Mac.

The headset does a very good job with music. I played music with a wide dynamic and frequency range through the Bluetooth connection, and I was able to roam around the house out to about the 33-foot limit with music blasting into my ears.

With my iPhone, I enjoyed being able to use Voice Control through the headset to make and receive phone calls. If music was playing when a call came in, or if I pressed the MFB to make an outgoing call, the music faded out. However, the monaural sound quality of the calls wasn't outstanding, and call recipients noted that my voice sounded somewhat echoey, tinny, and that higher frequencies seemed cut off. The microphone on the headset is built into one of the earpieces, which seems to make it less sensitive than other headsets that are designed specifically for talking on the phone. Let's just say that the headset is usable for phone calls, but many people will be displeased with the sound quality.

The BT-860 comes with a standard USB to micro-USB cable and an AC adapter. The headset can be charged either by plugging the cable into the AC adapter or a powered USB port.

Battery life of the BT-860 is very good. The company specifies an eight-hour lifetime between charges while listening to music -- I was able to stretch that to about nine-and-a-half hours before the headset gave up the ghost. In standby mode, the battery can last for a full ten days.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a pair of good Bluetooth headphones for use while watching movies or listening to music from your Mac or iOS device, the BT-860 might just do the trick. People who like the ambient noise isolation provided by in-ear headphones might prefer something like the $129.95 MSRP Plantronics BackBeat 906 headphone, which also features dual microphones for better sound quality on phone calls. The Jabra HALO headset ($129.99 MSRP), which I have not tested, is also in the same price range as the BT-860 and even resembles the NuForce device.

The BT-860 is a new product, and considering the low suggested retail price at this point, I'd expect that the eventual price will be even lower. While the sound quality is lacking a bit for telephony, the product is solid for listening to music. For a relatively inexpensive set of comfortable Bluetooth headphones, I'd recommend the NuForce BT-860 without reservations.